Fall River Rural Electric Cooperative announced Monday a partnership with Pacific Northwest Generating Cooperative Power to build a new natural gas-fired power plant serving eastern Idaho and southwestern Montana.
The project represents a strategic move by the cooperative to secure reliable generation capacity for its service area. Fall River identified the need for the facility more than three years ago as part of a long-term planning effort to meet member demand.
The plant is designed to rank among the most efficient and lowest-emitting natural gas facilities in the region. A key feature of the design is its potential for hydrogen blending—the facility could eventually operate at up to 50 percent hydrogen blend, positioning it for a transition toward cleaner energy sources as technology advances.
Fall River serves more than 21,000 connections across portions of Idaho, southwestern Montana, and western Wyoming. The cooperative has more than 16,000 member-owners.
PNGC Power, which will partner on the project, is owned by 25 electric distribution cooperative utilities operating across seven western states: Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
“Our members need power they can count on at prices they can afford,” said Bryan Case, CEO and general manager of Fall River Electric.
Jessica Matlock, CEO of PNGC Power, framed the project as part of the cooperative model’s long-term responsibility. “This project reflects the responsibility we have to plan ahead for the long term,” she said.
The project aligns with ongoing efforts across Idaho to strengthen energy independence and reliable generation capacity. Idaho has been selected among five states to explore the Department of Energy’s Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, and the state’s nuclear hub recently landed a $31 million federal award as the nation’s only nuclear-focused technology hub, reflecting the state’s broader commitment to diversified, dependable energy infrastructure.
The natural gas plant represents a near-term solution to generation needs while the region continues to evaluate longer-term energy options. The hydrogen-blending capability built into the plant’s design provides a bridge technology, allowing the facility to adapt as renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production becomes more viable.